Shielding Guideline
Shielding Guideline
Shielding Guideline
This guideline was developed by the Hazardous Materials and Radiation Section of the Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW) in consultation with the Radiation Advisory Council. DECCW acknowledges the assistance and expertise of Dr Richard Smart, Mr Paul Cardew, Mr Lee Collins, Mr Jeremy Pigott, Mr Kevin Fitzsimmons, Ms Janet Raper and Mr Howard Ackland and the input from other stakeholders in preparing this guideline. For technical information about this guideline, contact the Hazardous Materials and Radiation Section of DECCW on (02) 9995 5959.
State of NSW and Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water Disclaimer: The Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water, NSW (DECCW) has prepared this guideline in good faith, exercising all due care and attention, but no representation or warranty, express or implied, is made as to the relevance, accuracy, completeness or fitness for purpose of this guideline in respect of any particular users circumstances. The owners of apparatus, sealed source devices and/or radioactive substances should rely on their own inquiries and, where appropriate, seek expert advice as to the suitability of the application of this guideline in particular cases. Comments on the guideline should be made to the Manager of Hazardous Materials and Radiation, DECCW, so that changes can be considered. DECCW accepts no responsibility for any loss or damage resulting from the application of the guideline. This document is subject to revision without notice. It is the responsibility of the reader to ensure that the latest version is being used. This material may be reproduced for educational or non-commercial purposes, in whole or in part, provided the meaning is unchanged and the source is acknowledged.
Published by: Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water NSW 59 Goulburn Street, Sydney PO Box A290 Sydney South 1232 Ph: (02) 9995 5000 (switchboard) Ph: 131 555 (information & publications requests) Fax: (02) 9995 5999 TTY: (02) 9211 4723 Email: info@environment.nsw.gov.au Web: www.environment.nsw.gov.au/radiation ISBN 978 1 74232 489 0 DECCW 2009/763 December 2009 Printed on environmentally sustainable stock
Contents
Introduction ........................................................................................................... 1
1. General requirements .......................................................................................... 2 Scope of guideline................................................................................... 2 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Shielding assessment requirements........................................................ 2 Owners responsibilities........................................................................... 2 CREs responsibilities.............................................................................. 3 Design constraints ................................................................................... 4 Shielding requirement assessment flow chart ......................................... 4
2. Low-risk premises................................................................................................ 5 General description ................................................................................. 5 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 Standard dental radiography ................................................................... 6 Small animal veterinary radiography ....................................................... 8 Chiropractic and mobile radiography....................................................... 8 Mammography ........................................................................................ 9 Bone densitometers .............................................................................. 10 Self-shielded and sealed source devices .............................................. 10 Premises where radioactive substances are kept or used .................... 11
3. Medium-risk premises ....................................................................................... 13 3.1 General description ............................................................................... 13 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5. Diagnostic radiology .............................................................................. 13 Radiotherapy ......................................................................................... 14 Nuclear medicine................................................................................... 14 Non-medical premises where radioactive substances are kept or used .................................................................................... 15
4. High-risk premises............................................................................................. 16 General description ............................................................................... 16 4.1 4.2 High-risk applications ............................................................................ 16 5. Self-assessment report ..................................................................................... 17 Self-assessment documentation ........................................................... 17 5.1 5.2 Shielding assessment report example................................................... 17 6. Shielding plan..................................................................................................... 19 6.1 Shielding plan requirements .................................................................. 19 6.2 6.3 6.4 Shielding design report example ........................................................... 20 Shielding plan drawing example............................................................ 23 Details of persons preparing, assessing and verifying shielding plans....................................................................................... 24
Appendix A Threshold activities for sealed radioactive sources................... 26 Appendix B Categorisation or aggregation of sealed radioactive sources ....................................................................... 27 Appendix C Guide to shielding specifications for low- and medium-risk premises ......................................................................................... 29 Further reading....................................................................................................... 33 Definitions ......................................................................................................... 35
Introduction
Radiation Guideline 7: Radiation shielding design assessment and verification requirements (the guideline) assists owners of radiation apparatus or sealed source devices, occupiers of premises and consulting radiation experts (CREs) to assess shielding requirements for registration purposes under the Radiation Control Act 1990 (the Act). The guideline should be read in conjunction with the Act and the Radiation Control Regulation 2003 (the Regulation). If the Act or the Regulation is amended, references to the legislation in this document must be deemed to refer to the current legislation. If an inconsistency between the guideline and the legislation occurs, the requirements of the legislation would prevail. This document sets out the minimum shielding assessment requirements for premises where: radiation apparatus (i.e. diagnostic imaging apparatus, radiotherapy apparatus) are to be installed sealed source devices are to be used or installed radioactive substances are to be used or stored.
The guideline does not apply to existing installations or premises where shielding is already in place unless there are changes to the existing building, equipment or the use of surrounding areas. The requirements which are stated as must statements are mandatory and promote industry best practice in radiation safety. Note: The accreditation of CREs for the purposes of assessing shielding requirements as set out in this guideline is currently being considered by Department of Environment, Climate Change and Water (DECCW).
1. General requirements
1.1
1.1.1
Scope of guideline
The aim of this guideline is to help CREs when they are assessing shielding requirements for premises, where: a. b. radiation apparatus and sealed source devices (SSDs) are kept or used radioactive substances are kept or used.
1.1.2
This guideline will also help owners and occupiers of premises when conducting a selfassessment of specified low-risk premises, and to identify which premises will require a shielding plan. The guideline may also be used as a reference source by facility designers, architects and builders.
1.1.3
1.2
1.2.1
1.2.2
1.2.3
1.2.4
1.2.5
1.3
1.3.1
Owners responsibilities
For low-risk premises, an owner must ensure a written shielding self-assessment report, as detailed in Section 5 of this guideline, has been prepared to determine whether a shielding plan is required. Where a shielding self-assessment determines that no additional radiation shielding is required for a low-risk premises, the owner must ensure that the statement, No additional shielding is required, is stated on the shielding self-assessment report. For premises that do not meet the requirements for self-assessment, the owner must ensure a shielding plan as detailed in Section 6 of this guideline is prepared. There is no requirement for the shielding plan to be prepared by a CRE, but the plan must be assessed by an appropriately accredited CRE to ensure compliance with this guideline. A shielding plan is required for:
1.3.2
1.3.3
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a. b. c. 1.3.4
low-risk premises that fall outside the criteria for self-assessment all medium-risk premises all high-risk premises.
Where a shielding plan determines that no additional radiation shielding is required, the owner must ensure that the statement, No additional shielding is required, is written on the shielding plan and certified by a CRE. The owner must ensure that a CRE approves the shielding plan and that any changes to an approved shielding plan are re-assessed by a CRE and documented on the shielding plan. In the case of a high-risk premises, and for radiotherapy in the medium-risk category, the owner must ensure that a second CRE, who is appropriately accredited, carries out an independent assessment of the shielding plan to verify that it is correct. The independent assessment by the second CRE must be documented on the shielding plan. The shielding plan must be certified by the second CRE to the effect that the independent assessment has been undertaken and is satisfactory and compliant with this guideline. Where additional shielding is required, the owner must ensure that a CRE verifies that the approved shielding plan has been followed in the construction, and documents this on the shielding plan. The owner must ensure a copy of the shielding self-assessment report or shielding plan/s are kept at the premises for: evaluation by DECCW for auditing purposes, or for assessment by a CRE for compliance with registration requirements.
1.3.5
1.3.6
1.3.7
1.3.8
1.3.9
The owner of equipment or occupier of the premises, if engaging the services of a CRE, must ensure that the CRE is accredited appropriately to undertake the work required.
1.4
1.4.1
CREs responsibilities
A CRE can only undertake activities specified in their conditions of accreditation. Accreditation is granted if an individual has met the appropriate criteria for each category and level of risk. The CRE who carries out the assessment or verification of shielding must hold an accreditation for both the level of risk (that is, high, medium or low) and the type of radiation source in use, for example, diagnostic radiography, radiotherapy or industrial uses of radiation. A CRE must ensure that shielding plans are prepared as detailed in Section 6 of this guideline. A CRE must re-assess any changes made to an approved shielding plan. In cases where the assessment determines that no additional radiation shielding is required, the CRE or the person carrying out the assessment must state this on the shielding plan or the self-assessment report. In the case of a high-risk premises, and for radiotherapy in the medium-risk category, an independent assessment of the shielding plan must be carried out by a second CRE who is appropriately accredited to verify that the shielding plan is correct. The independent assessment by the second CRE must also be documented on the shielding plan. A CRE must verify that the shielding material installed meets the requirements of the shielding plan and certifies the shielding plan to this effect. CREs verifying shielding must attach a copy of the verification methodology and verification results to the shielding plan.
3
1.4.2
1.4.6
1.4.7
1.4.8
The verification process that the shielding material installed meets the requirements of the shielding plan can involve, but is not restricted to, one or more of the following activities: a. b. c. d. inspecting the shielding material as it is installed testing shields with X-ray or radioactive sources taking core samples of walls, floors and ceilings conducting radiation surveys of the premises during use.
1.5
1.5.1 1.5.2 1.5.3
Design constraints
The design assessment and verification of shielding is to ensure that the ALARA principle is achieved. (See Definitions for a description of the ALARA principle.) Schedule 2 of the Radiation Control Regulation 2003 sets out dose limits for the members of the public and occupationally exposed persons, which must not be exceeded. To achieve this requirement, the protective measures: a. should ensure that radiation levels in affected areas do not give rise to an equivalent dose greater than 100 Sv per week for occupationally exposed persons from all sources of exposure b. must ensure that radiation levels in affected areas do not give rise to an equivalent dose greater than 20 Sv per week for members of the general public.
1.6
Yes
Yes
No
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2. Low-risk premises
2.1
2.1.1
General description
Premises where radiation apparatus or radioactive substances are kept or used are classified as low risk where the potential for radiation exposure is minimal and where little shielding is required to operate within occupational and public dose limits. For most low-risk premises no additional shielding will be required and a shielding selfassessment report must be completed. The self-assessment report can be carried out by the owner of radiation apparatus or device, or the occupier of a premises. The selfassessment report does not need to be carried out by a CRE. Section 5 provides guidance on how to prepare a self-assessment report. Recommendations for best practices to be applied when installing shielding material in lowrisk premises are provided in Appendix C. Where premises do not meet the requirements for self-assessment, a shielding plan is required. Section 6 provides guidance on how to prepare a shielding plan. A list of apparatus, devices and premises that are considered suitable for self-assessment is as follows: Diagnostic radiology: standard dental radiography (Section 2.2) orthopantomogram (OPG) dental radiography (Section 2.2.) OPG dental with cephalometric attachment less than 10 exposures per day (Section 2.2) small animal veterinary radiography (Section 2.3) chiropractic radiography (Section 2.4) diagnostic mammography, less than 50 mammographic exposures in any one day (Section 2.5) Note: A screening mammography X-ray unit, greater than 50 exposures per day, is considered medium risk (Section 3.2.1) bone densitometry, other than bone densitometers with a wide fan beam operating at above 80 kV (Section 2.6). X-ray baggage inspection apparatus cabinet X-ray inspection apparatus enclosed X-ray diffraction, absorption and fluorescence analysers sealed source devices (e.g. blood irradiators, radiation gauges). where unsealed radioactive sources for industrial, scientific or research applications are kept or used and graded as low level when assessed, using Appendix F of AS 2243.41998: Safety in laboratories Part 4: Ionizing radiations (Standards Australia 1998)
2.1.2
where sealed radioactive sources for industrial, scientific or research applications are kept or used, classified as category 5 or below as shown in Appendix A. Note: Where there are two or more different sources that are kept or used at the same location, they must be aggregated in accordance with Appendix B.
2.1.6 2.1.7
Anything not covered in the classifications above must be assessed by a CRE. If the self-assessment by the owner of the equipment or occupier of a premises indicates that normal plasterboard or a brick wall will provide sufficient shielding, a detailed shielding plan is not required.
2.1.8 Mobile diagnostic x-ray equipment (<20 mA minutes a week at the location being assessed) does not require shielding assessment (see Section 2.4).
2.2
2.2.1
2.2.2
Partition walls with 10 mm of plasterboard on both sides will provide sufficient protection in most circumstances. Plasterboard 20 mm thick has approximately 25% transmission of scattered radiation at 70 kVp. Table 1 indicates those situations in which this amount of shielding will be adequate.
Table 1: Minimum distance from the patient to the barrier permitted for a dose constraint of 20 Sv per week as a function of workload
Images per week low dose computed radiograph/digital radiograph 100 200 400 1000 Minimum distance between the patient and a 20 mm plasterboard barrier 1 metre 1.5 metres 2 metres 3 metres
Note: Data based on average scatter plus primary dose equal to 1 Gy per film at a distance of 1 metre from the patient.
Radiation guideline 7
Figure 1: Layout of a standard dental room showing the minimum distance from the radiation source to walls and other occupied spaces 1.8 metres
1.2 metres
1.2 metres
0.8 metres
Note: Most standard dental exam rooms are likely to exceed these dimensions. The requirement for shielding may be alleviated by repositioning the chair.
Example: Rooms where only an extra-oral x-ray tube is used with intra-oral image receptors, with an output of approximately 70 kVp (4 mAs), that perform 50 images per week and conform to or exceed the dimensions of Figure 1, require no further shielding and can be self-assessed. 2.2.3 Special considerations may be required for x-ray rooms using Panoramic and cephalometric x-ray systems. However, rooms where there is a low level of use (a total of less than 10 exposures per day of either OPG or cephalograms) will not require additional shielding above that which is provided by the apparatus and by normal plasterboard walls (2 sheets, each 10 mm thick). These can be self-assessed.
Figure 2: Layout of a low-use panoramic X-ray room design showing the minimum distance from the radiation source to walls and other occupied spaces
1 metre
1 metre
1.5 metres
Note: Most standard dental exam rooms are likely to exceed these dimensions. The requirement for shielding may be alleviated by repositioning the chair.
2.2.4
A shielding plan must be prepared when workloads exceed the levels indicated in Table 1 and 2.2.3 or when dimensions are smaller than those described in this section.
2.3
2.3.1
2.3.2
Where a timber floor separates the room from any occupied area below the x-ray room, a shielding plan must be prepared.
Table 2: Example of calculation of total workload per week which would not exceed 20 mA minutes in one week
Typical exposure per film (E) 5 mAs 15 mAs 6 mAs Weekly workload Examinations per week (N) 60 8 30 ExFxN= 60 10 mA-min 2 mA-min 6 mA-min 18 mA-min
2.4
2.4.1
c.
d. e. 2.4.2
if there is at least 3 metres between an occupied area and where shielding is provided by the door to the room, a shielded door is not required where areas above or below the room are occupied, there must be a standard structural concrete floor (this will provide sufficient shielding protection).
Where a timber floor separates the room from any occupied area below the x-ray room, a shielding plan must be prepared.
Table 3a: Example of calculation of total workload per week equivalent in films and examinations which would not exceed 20 mA minutes in one week
Typical exposure per film (E) 50 mAs 120 mAs 20 mAs Weekly workload EXFxN= 60 10 mA-min 4 mA-min 4 mA-min 18 mA-min
Examination AP spine Lat spine Lat cervical spine Total weekly workload
2.4.3. Where workloads for mobile radiography or fluoroscopy exceed 20 mA minutes in one week in any one area (see Table 3b as a guide to workload equivalents and Section 3.2) a shielding plan will be required.
Table 3b: Example of calculation of total workload per week equivalent in films and examinations which would exceed 20 mA minutes in one week
Typical exposure per film (E) 50 mAs 120 mAs 20 mAs Weekly workload EXFxN= 60 15 mA-min 12 mA-min 4 mA-min 31 mA-min
Examination AP spine Lat spine Lat cervical spine Total weekly workload
2.5
2.5.1
Mammography
A room used solely for mammography requires no additional shielding, can be selfassessed and no shielding plan is required if it meets all of the following criteria: a b. c the workload is not greater than 50 mammographic exposures in one day the unit is at least 1 metre from the entrance door the walls are at least 2 layers of 10 mm plasterboard thick (i.e. 20 mm thick).
2.6
2.6.1
Bone densitometers
A room used for bone densitometry requires no additional shielding, can be self-assessed and no shielding plan is required if it meets the following criterion: the bone densitometer operates at a voltage that is equal to or less than 80 kV and a maximum current of 3 mA.
Note: The scatter radiation at 1 metre from the scanner is typically 0.3 Sv/h and scan times are between 1030 seconds. 2.6.2 2.6.3 Pencil beam scanners are highly collimated and operate at relatively low levels of kV and mA and can also be self-assessed. See medium-risk requirements if a wide fan-beam scanner operating above 80 kV is to be used (Section 3).
2.7
2.7.1
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Radiation guideline 7
Figure 3: Example of a self shielded device that can be self-assessed 0.5 Sv/hr at 1 metre
2.8
2.8.1
11
2.8.2
Premises where sealed radioactive sources for industrial, scientific or research applications are kept or used, can be self-assessed and no shielding plan is required if the following criteria are met: a. premises where the sealed source threshold activities are classified as category 5 or below as listed in Appendix A. Note: Where there are two or more different sources that are kept or used at the same location they must be aggregated in accordance with Appendix B. b. the design, location or shielding must ensure that any member of the general public occupying the adjoining areas, including above and below, is not exposed to more than the general public design constraint of 20 Sv a week.
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Radiation guideline 7
3. Medium-risk premises
3.1
3.1.1
General description
Premises where radiation apparatus, sealed source devices or radioactive substances are kept or used are classed as medium-risk premises where the potential for radiation exposure is increased and where additional shielding is required to operate within the dose limits. A shielding plan must be prepared for all medium risk premises as detailed in Section 6 of this guideline. There is no requirement that the shielding plan be prepared by a CRE, however, the plan must be assessed by an appropriately accredited CRE to ensure compliance with this guideline. In addition, for medium-risk radiotherapy premises, a second CRE who is also appropriately accredited must carry out an independent assessment of the shielding plan and verify that the plan is satisfactory for the purposes of the proposed use and that it complies with the requirements of this guideline. Recommendations are provided in Appendix C of the specifications for best practices to be applied when installing shielding in medium-risk premises. Medium-risk premises include those that are listed and detailed below (and any others that do not meet the criteria for either low-risk or high-risk premises): diagnostic radiology (Section 3.2) radiotherapy (Section 3.3) nuclear medicine (Section 3.4) non-medical premises where radioactive substances are kept or used (Section 3.5)
3.1.2 3.1.3
3.1.4 3.1.5
3.2
3.2.1
Diagnostic radiology
The following diagnostic radiology applications are covered under medium risk: a. general radiography b. mobile diagnostic X-ray equipment used at the same location where the weekly workload is >20 mA minutes a week c. computed tomography (CT) d. fluoroscopy rooms e. screening mammography (screening mammography means the use of mammography X-ray apparatus in a screening program for asymptomatic patients where it might reasonably be expected to perform more than 50 mammographic exposures in any one day. Note: Diagnostic mammography is considered low risk see Section 2.1.1) f. operating theatres (workload is >20 mA minutes a week) g. dental computed tomography h. OPG with cephalometric attachment (workload is > 20mA minutes a week) i. chiropractic radiography (workload is > 20mA minutes a week) j. large animal veterinary radiography k. bone densitometers with a wide fan beam operating above 80 kV.
13
3.2.2
The following factors must be taken into account in the design of radiation shielding for diagnostic imaging: a. the maximum X-ray tube voltage and rated continuous tube current b. the maximum weekly workload c. the type of radiation (i.e. primary or secondary) d. the distance from the radiation source or scatter to occupied areas e. the surface area of the irradiated medium f. occupancy of the adjoining areas g. use factors h. allowance for variations in the quality of the shielding materials to be used i. allowance for reasonable growth in the business j. dose constraints for occupied areas k. additional shielding requirements for film storage (if required).
3.3
3.3.1
Radiotherapy
The following radiotherapy applications are covered under medium risk: a. b. superficial therapy up to 150 kVp radiotherapy simulators.
3.3.2
These activities require the same consideration as diagnostic radiology (see Section 3.2.2). The same factors must be taken into account when designing radiation shielding for a premises.
3.4
3.4.1
Nuclear medicine
The following nuclear medicine applications are medium risk: a. medical diagnostic b. veterinary diagnostic.
3.4.2
The shielding plan must take into account the: a. range and number of clinical studies to be performed b. radionuclides used and their activities c. external dose rate from the patients d. occupancy factors and dose constraint for adjacent areas e. radiation levels in the imaging room that would degrade image quality.
3.4.3
For diagnostic examinations, the operator requires most protection. Consequently, it may not be necessary to provide shielding for nuclear medicine imaging rooms, other than those used for positron emission tomography (PET) imaging. Operator protection can be enhanced by installing fixed shielding around the gamma camera workstation. Where fixed shielding is impractical, mobile shielded barriers with lead glass viewing panels can be used.
3.4.4
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Radiation guideline 7
3.4.5
Lead body shields with lead glass viewing panels must be available wherever radiopharmaceuticals are dispensed. The thickness of the shield will depend on whether radionuclides with gamma energies higher than 140 keV from 99mTc (such as 364 keV from I131) will be used. Fixed shielding must be provided for hybrid SPECT/CT systems when installed. The shielding will usually be determined by the necessity to limit exposure from the scattered radiation during the CT phase of the examination. The radioactive source may be a patient, a vial or a syringe containing a radiopharmaceutical. The dose constraints for a member of the public will apply to a receptionist or to a secretary and may necessitate some structural shielding (e.g. in the reception desk). Local shielding (i.e. shielding around a specified source) should be applied wherever possible, thus limiting the need for room shielding. Shielding should also be considered for the radioactive waste generated by the nuclear medicine facility. Such shielding will usually include shielded sharps containers for used syringes and may require separate storage bins for radionuclides with short (less than 1 day) and longer half-lives.
3.4.6
3.4.7
3.4.8 3.4.9
15
4. High-risk premises
4.1
4.1.1 4.1.2
General description
Premises are classified as high-risk where the potential for radiation exposure is high and substantial shielding is required to operate within dose limits. A shielding plan must be prepared for all high-risk premises as detailed in Section 6 of this guideline. Complex shielding plans for high risk premises may require significantly more detail than the minimum requirements listed in Section 6. There is no requirement that the shielding plan be prepared by a CRE, however, the plan must be assessed by an appropriately accredited CRE to ensure compliance with this guideline. In addition, for all premises classified as high risk, a second CRE who is appropriately accredited must carry out an independent assessment of the shielding plan to verify that the plan is satisfactory for the proposed use and that it is compliant with the requirements of this guideline. The shielding plan must be certified by the second CRE.
4.1.3
4.2
4.2.1
High-risk applications
Premises not classified as low or medium are considered to be high risk. These include: a. radiotherapy using a sealed source or irradiating apparatus greater than 150 kVp, including remote after-loading devices b. positron emission tomography (PET) c. in patient isolation facility for nuclear medicine therapy using unsealed gamma emitting radionuclides d. industrial radiography in fully-or partially-enclosed sites and other industrial, research and non-medical activities using radiation apparatus or using and storing sealed sources (where the activity thresholds for sealed radioactive sources, or aggregation of, are categorised as category 1, 2 or 3 as listed in Appendix A,). Note: Where there are two or more different sources that are kept or used at the same location they must be aggregated in accordance with Appendix B. e. other industrial research and non-medical activities using or storing unsealed sources, that are, non-medical premises graded as high level when assessed using Appendix F AS 2243.4 Safety in laboratories Part 4: Ionizing radiations (Standards Australia 1998) f. particle accelerators, including cyclotrons and synchrotrons.
4.2.2
Due to the complex nature of high-risk premises each shielding plan is to be assessed by an appropriately accredited CRE on a case by case basis.
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Radiation guideline 7
5. Self-assessment report
5.1
5.1.1
Self-assessment documentation
The following information must be provided in the shielding assessment report: a. the name of the owner or occupier of the premises b. the address of the premises c. the proposed use of the premises d. the category of risk e. the radiation apparatus, self-shielded device or radioactive substances to be used at the premises f. the maximum workload for radiation apparatus including the rational for this estimate g. documentation, which identifies each sealed radioactive source and its activity, that supports the self-assessment h. the section of the guideline which was used to determine that a shielding plan was not required to be prepared, and a statement that the premises meets the requirements of this section i. the name and position of the person undertaking this self-assessment j. the date that the self-assessment was completed k. a plan of the premises showing the dimensions of the room/s and the location of the radiation apparatus or self-shielded device, or where the radioactive substances are to be used.
5.1.2
The completed shielding self-assessment report must be kept at the premises and be available for inspection by DECCW.
5.2
h.
17
Figure 5: Example of a plan showing the layout of a room where a intra oral dental x-ray unit is used.
The existing inner and outer walls of A, B and D are constructed of 10 mm plaster board, and wall C is constructed with double brick. These walls provide adequate shielding for the proposed use. No additional shielding is required.
Wall B
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Radiation guideline 7
6. Shielding plan
A shielding plan is a document providing shielding requirements (design report; shielding plan drawings; and details of persons preparing, assessing and verifying shielding plans) for a radiation premises. Complex shielding plans for high-risk premises may require significantly more detail than the minimum requirements set out below.
6.1
6.1.1
6.1.2
The shielding plan must include the following shielding verification documentation: a. verification that the shielding installed complies with the specifications of the design b. a copy of the verification methodology and verification results undertaken by the CRE. The CRE is to attach these to the shielding plan.
19
6.1.3
Areas where particular attention should be given when designing a shielding plan are: a. b. c. d. f. door jambs the overlap of lead sheets and other materials behind switches, locks and other conduits the control panel the overlap of double doors.
6.2
Note that plan details can vary depending on the situation, however, the minimum requirements outlined in 6.1.1 must be provided. The following example will not be relevant for all situations and is an example of a possible shielding plan. a. b. c. d. e. Owner: General Hospital Address of premises: X-ray Room 1, General Hospital, Surbitown, NSW 2000 Proposed use of premises: General radiography Classification of premises: Medium-risk radiography Details of radiation apparatus: f. general diagnostic X-ray unit 125 kVp (max) ceiling mounted X-ray tube X-ray table wall mounted erect bucky Workload: - table tube: 300 mA-min/week - chest tube: 12 mA-min/week Workload derivation: - table tube: 720 exposures at average of 20mAs - chest tube: 60 chest x-rays at 10 mAs/exposure - plus 20% increase for growth of business Max kVp: 125 Max continuous current: 2mA Max tube leakage: 1 mGy/hr @ 1m Input field size: - table tube: 720 cm2 - chest tube: 1500 cm2 Focus skin distance: - table tube: 0.6 m (table bucky) - chest tube: 1.8 m (erect bucky)
20 Radiation guideline 7
Design parameters:
g.
Conditions of the design The position and orientation of the X-ray equipment must be as shown in the working plans The primary beam when used with the table must only be directed at the walls designated A, B and F and towards the floor (refer to Figure 6). The primary beam from the chest tube position must only be directed at the erect bucky. The 1-metre wide shield behind the erect bucky must be centred on the bucky and extend to a minimum height of 2.1 metres. The defined use of associated areas must not change. Use factors other than towards the floor must not exceed the values stated in the report. The workload must not increase beyond 300 mA-min/week. Shielding will extend from the floor to a height of 2.1 m except where specified. All barriers must be continuous and free from voids. Where materials used do not meet the standard shielding properties for materials specified in this report, the thicknesses must be increased to compensate for this. Where shielding thicknesses are other than stated in this plan, this must be documented and details attached to the plan.
21
h.
Wall A Reporting room B PACS store C Office D Corridor doors E Toilet F Office G Operators console H Outside car park I 1-mwide bucky shield J Ceiling K Floor
0 0.89
0 0
1 0
20 20
100 00
150 mm concrete
Methodologies used in the design of radiation shielding: Structural shielding design for medical X-ray imaging facilities, National Council on Radiation Protection Report No. 147, 2004.
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Radiation guideline 7
6.3
23
6.4
a.
b.
CRE approval of shielding plan: Declaration: I hereby declare that I have assessed the shielding plan and certify that the shielding plan is satisfactory for the purposes of the proposed use and that it is compliant with the requirements of Radiation Guideline 7: Radiation shielding design assessment and verification requirements for the purposes of registration (shielding) under the Radiation Control Act 1990. Name: DECCW CRE accreditation no.: Company: Address: Phone: Fax: Email: Signature: Date:
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Radiation guideline 7
c.
Approval of shielding plan by second CRE: Note: In the case of a high-risk premises and radiotherapy in a medium-risk premises, an independent assessment of the shielding plan must be carried out by a second CRE who is appropriately accredited. Declaration: I hereby declare that I have undertaken an independent assessment of the shielding plan and verify that the plan is satisfactory for the purposes of the proposed use and that it is compliant with the requirements of Radiation Guideline 7: Radiation shielding design assessment and verification requirements for the purposes of registration (shielding) under the Radiation Control Act 1990. Name: DECCW CRE accreditation no.: Company: Address: Phone: Fax: Email: Signature: Date:
d.
CRE verification of shielding I hereby certify that the shielding installed is in accordance with the shielding plan. Name: DECCW CRE accreditation no.: Company: Address: Phone: Fax: Email: Signature: Date:
Note: CREs verifying shielding must attach a copy of the verification methodology and verification results to the shielding plan.
25
Category 2 GBq) 600 600 200 x 10 1000 200 7000 300 500 10 x 10 7000 2000 2000 2000 800 8 x 10 3000 600 x 10 900 x 10 100 x 10 600 600 600 400 x 10 400 3000 2000 10 x 10 7000 200 x 10 200 x 10 20 x 10 3000
6 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 6 3 3 3
Category 3 (GBq) 60 60 20 x 10 100 20 700 30 50 1000 700 200 200 200 80 800 x 10 30 x 10 300 60 x 10 90 x 10 10 x 10 60 60 60 40 x 10 40 300 200 1000 700 20 x 10 20 x 10 2 x 10 300
3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3 3
Category 4 (GBq) 0.6 0.6 200 1 0.2 7 0.3 0.5 10 7 2 2 2 0.8 8000 300 3 600 900 100 0.6 0.6 0.6 400 0.4 3 2 10 7 200 200 20000 3
Category 5 (MBq) 0.01 0.01 1 0.01 0.01 1 0.1 0.01 10 0.1 1 1 1 0.01 1 0.01 1 100 100 0.1 0.01 0.01 0.01 10 0.01 0.1 1 0.01 10 1 0.01 1000 10
300 x 10
90 x 10
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Radiation guideline 7
(b)
Column 2 D-value Activity Level GBq) 60 60 2 104 100 20 700 30 50 1 103 700 200 200 200 80 8 105 3 104 300 6 104 9 104 1 104 60 60 60 4 104 40 300 200 1 103 700 2 104 2 104 2 106 300
If an isotope is not mentioned in this table, contact the regulatory authority for the relevant D value.
Radiation guideline 7
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1
1.1
Introduction
The purpose of this guide is to provide information on the best practices to be applied when installation of shielding is required in low- and medium-risk premises.
2
2.1
Shielding integrity
Shielding should be continuous. The geometry should be such that a sufficient number of scatters occur between the radiation source and the area outside the barrier so the radiation leakage through any gap is acceptably low. At diagnostic energies and workloads, this means that there should be at least two scatters. In practical terms, the shielding should overlap so that there are no direct lines of sight through a gap from the patient or tube. Care with design is required at the boundaries between different materials such as wall to window, or double entry doors. Shielding should typically extend from the room finished floor level (FFL) to a height of at least 2.1 metres above the FFL.
2.2
2.3
3
3.1
Floors
It is assumed that flooring is at least 150 mm thick, made of concrete and has a density of 2350 kgm-3. Some buildings have floors constructed with ribs supporting thinner areas of concrete (often called waffle slabs). In these, care should be taken that the minimum thickness is accurately determined.
4
4.1
Wall penetrations
Care should be taken to ensure that there is no loss in shielding integrity to openings in shielded walls. For example, any general power point outlet (GPO) inserted into a shielded barrier should incorporate shielding behind the GPO.
5
5.1
Floor penetrations
Any floor and ceiling penetrations which can reasonably be in the direct radiation beam (e.g. around 1 metre outside the maximum X-ray tube reach) should be covered with at least 2 mm of lead sheet or equivalent for diagnostic installations.
6
6.1
Lead sheet
If used, lead sheet should be securely laminated to a suitable substrate. Penetrations of the sheet for fixing purposes should be avoided as far as possible between 750 mm and 1500 mm above the FFL. Penetrations caused by normal fixing screws are generally not a problem. Joins should be shielded to the extent of an overlap of 1015 mm.
29
6.2
7.
7.1 7.2 7.3 7.4
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Radiation guideline 7
Figure C1:
Example of incorrect installation of lead glass and a lead wall (A). Correct method of installation (B) and methods of rectifying the incorrect installation (C&D)
31
8.
8.1
Doors
Doors and frames should be constructed so appropriate shielding geometry is achieved. This is done by ensuring that lead is installed into the frame rebate and that, if the door is edge stripped, that the rebate is sufficiently deep to achieve suitable overlap. Double doors require rebates or other shielding method (e.g. shielded t-bar) to ensure that there are no direct ray-lines from the tube or patient through the space between the doors. This may require that a particular door is the active leaf (see Figure C2).
8.2
Figure C2: Example of a lead door where rebates have been used to ensure no gaps in the lead shielding
9
9.1
9.2
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Radiation guideline 7
Further reading
ARPANSA 2007, Code of Practice for the Security of Radioactive Sources, Radiation Protection Series No. 11. Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency, Canberra, www.arpansa.gov.au/publications/codes/rps11.cfm. ASTM International 2003, Standard specification for aggregates for radiation-shielding concrete, ASTM C637-98a, www.astm.org/. ASTM International 2002, Standard descriptive nomenclature of constituents of aggregates for radiation-shielding concrete, ASTM C638-92, www.astm.org/. ASTM International no year, Standard guide for dry lead glass and oil-filled lead glass radiation shielding window components for remotely-operated facilities, ASTM C1572-04, www.astm.org/. Australian Association of Practice Managers 2006, PET/CT shielding requirements. Report of AAPM Task Group 108, Medical Physics, 33, pp 415, January, www.aapm.org.au. British Standards 2001, Neutron radiation protection shielding. design principles and considerations for the choice of appropriate materials, BS ISO 14152, www.bsigroup.com/. British Standards 1971, Recommendation for data on shielding from ionizing radiation. Shielding from X-radiation, BS 40942, www.bsigroup.com/. British Standards 1969, Specification for lead bricks for radiation shielding, BS 4513, www.bsigroup.com/. British Standards 1966, Recommendation for data on shielding from ionizing radiation. Shielding from gamma radiation, BS 40941, www.bsigroup.com/. British Standards 1965, Specification for ingot lead for radiation shielding, BS 3909, www.bsigroup.com/. Engineering in Medicine and Biology Society 2000, Report on kilovoltage x-ray dosimetry: formalisms and applications, AAPM TG-61, Proceeding of the 22nd Annual International Conference of the IEEE, Volume 3, pp 23082312, www.embs.org/. Groth MJ 1998, Empirical shielding design data for facilities administering I131 for thyroid carcinoma, Australasian Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine, 21, pp 170178. Groth MJ 1996, Empirical dose rate and attenuation data for radionuclides in nuclear medicine, Australasian Physical and Engineering Sciences in Medicine, 19, pp 160167. Institute of Physical Sciences in Medicine (1991), Radiation protection in nuclear medicine and pathology, IPSM Report No. 63, www.iso.org/. International Organization for Standardization 2001, Neutron radiation protection shielding design principles and considerations for the choice of appropriate materials, ISO 14152, www.iso.org/. International Organization for Standardization 1991, Enclosures for protection against ionizing radiation lead shielding units for 150-mm, 200-mm and 250-mm thick walls Part 1: Chevron units of 150-mm and 200-mm thickness, ISO 9404-1, www.iso.org/. International Organization for Standardization 1986, Enclosures for protection against ionizing radiation lead shielding units for 50-mm and 100-mm thick walls, ISO 7212, www.iso.org/. Jaeger RG et al 1968, Engineering compendium on radiation shielding: volume I, Shielding fundamentals and methods, Springer Verlag Berlin, www.springer.com/ Japanese Standards Association 1992, Shielding devices for stand-by radiation, JIS Z 4713, www.jsa.or.jp/default_english.asp
Radiation shielding design assessment and verification requirements 33
Johnson CH. and Walker A 1994, Technical note: the measurement of mammographic room protection, British Journal of Radiology, 67 (797), pp 494 496, http://bjr.birjournals.org/. Kenneth Shultis J and Faw RE 1999, Radiation shielding, American Nuclear Society, La Grange Rark, IL, ISBN 0-89448-456-7, www.new.ans.org/. Martin CJ and Sutton DG (eds) 2002, Practical radiation protection in health care, Oxford University Press, http://ukcatalogue.oup.com/. McGinley PH 1998, Shielding techniques for radiation oncology facilities, Medical Physics Publishing, www.medicalphysics.org/. McLean D 1993, Computer simulation of broad-beam and narrow-beam attenuation in lead for diagnostic x-ray energies, Medical Physics 20 (5), pp 15491554. National Council on Radiation Protection 2005, Structural shielding design and evaluation for megavoltage X and gamma-ray radiotherapy facilities, NCRP Report No. 151, www.ncrponline.org/ National Council on Radiation Protection 2004a, Radiation protection in veterinary medicine, NCRP Report No. 148, www.ncrponline.org/ National Council on Radiation Protection 2004b, Structural shielding design for medical x-ray imaging facilities, NCRP Report No. 147 www.ncrponline.org/. National Council on Radiation Protection 2003, Radiation protection for particle accelerator facilities, NCRP Report No. 144, www.ncrponline.org/. National Council on Radiation Protection 2000, Radiation protection for procedures performed outside the radiology department, NCRP Report No. 133, www.ncrponline.org/. National Health and Medical Research Council 1989, Code of practice for the safe use of industrial radiography equipment, NH&MRC Radiation Health Series No. 31, www.arpansa.gov.au/Publications/codes/index.cfm. National Health and Medical Research Council 1987, Statement on enclosed x-ray equipment for special applications, NH&MRC Radiation Health Series No. 22, www.arpansa.gov.au/Publications/codes/index.cfm. Delacroix, D., J. P. Guerre, P. Leblanc and C. Hickman 2002, Radionuclide and radiation protection data handbook, Radiation Protection Dosimetry, Vol 98 No. 1, www.oxfordjournals.org/our_journals/rpd/backissues/index.html. NSW Hospital and University Radiation Safety Officers Group (HURSOG) 1999, Guide to radioiodine therapy facility design, http://hursog.org/. Robinson A, 1984, Notes on building materials and references in shielding data for use below 300 kVp, The Hospital Physicists Association, London, http://bjr.birjournals.org/cgi/content/abstract/58/688/356. Shleien B, Birky B and Slaback L 1998, Handbook of health physics and radiological health, Lippincott Williams and Wilkins, 3rd ed., www.lww.com/ Standards Australia 1998, Safety in laboratories Part 4: Ionizing radiations, Australian Standard AS 2243.4, www.standards.org.au/. Sutton DG and Williams JR (eds) 2002, Radiation shielding for diagnostic x-rays, report of a joint BIR/IPEM Working Party, Institute of Radiology, London, http://bjr.birjournals.org/cgi/content/full/76/910/731. Tonry L 2002, Inter-oral room shielding evaluation, operational radiation safety, Supplement to Health Physics, 83, Nov 2002, S6064 http://journals.lww.com/healthphysics/toc/2002/07000.
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Radiation guideline 7
Definitions
In this guideline: Accreditation means a person to whom a certificate of accreditation as a consulting radiation expert is issued under s. 9 of the Radiation Control Act 1990. ALARA means that a radiation dose to any person is as low as reasonably achievable with social and economic factors taken into account. Brick wall means in terms of low-risk premises and self-assessment, a brick wall is to mean any standard brick and mortar construction built of solid material a minimum of 20 mm thick. Bucky (erect) means an assembly which holds the X-ray film cassette in a vertical position. It contains a grid to prevent scattered radiation from reaching the X-ray film during exposure. CRE means a consulting radiation expert who is appropriately accredited by DECCW to undertake specific activities with respect to design and assessment of shielding and verification of shielding. Design and assessment of shielding means the process of calculating or verifying required shielding required for a premises using practices approved by DECCW. Diagnostic mammography means a diagnostic mammography X-ray unit that is used for followup studies on patients presenting with symptoms of breast disease and would not be expected to perform more than 50 mammographic exposures in any one day. High-risk activities mean the radiation usage has the potential to result in radiation exposures exceeding the maximum permissible limits. Preparation of a shielding plan must be undertaken by a CRE who has been accredited for high-level risk assessments. Low-risk activities mean the radiation usage is inherently safe and is unlikely to result in unacceptable radiation exposures under normal work practices. Validation of shielding requirements can be achieved by verifying that minimal design requirements are met. Medium-risk activities mean the radiation usage has the potential to result in unacceptable radiation exposures under normal work practices. Assessment of the shielding plan must be undertaken by a CRE who has been accredited for medium- or high-level risk assessments. Occupancy factor means the factor by which the workload should be multiplied to correct for the degree of occupancy (by any one person) of the area in question while the source is in the on condition and emitting radiation (National Council on Radiation Protection 2004b). Occupationally exposed person means a person who is exposed to ionising or non-ionising radiation directly arising out of, or in the course of, their employment (Radiation Control Act 1990). Occupied area means an area that is accessible during the time exposure to radiation is possible and that is assigned an occupancy factor to represent the proportion of time it is assessed as being occupied. Premises means a building and land or a place and any part of a premises. Protective measures means those steps taken to ensure dose constraints and dose limits are not exceeded and all measures are taken to reduce personal radiation exposures including fixed radiation shielding. Screening mammography means the use of mammography x-ray apparatus in a screening program for asymptomatic patients where it might reasonably be expected to perform more than 50 mammographic exposures in any one day.
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Sealed source device (SSD) means equipment or a gauge, instrument or device that contains a sealed radioactive source and permits the controlled emission of radiation, but does not include a container used solely for the storage or transport of a sealed radioactive source. Self-shielded device means gamma irradiators in which the radioactive substance is completely enclosed in a dry container constructed of solid material that shields the radioactive substance. Shielding plan means a document providing shielding requirements (design report; shielding plan drawings; and details of persons preparing, assessing and verifying shielding plans) for a radiation premises. The document must provide information on the factors on which the plan is based and refer to the methodology used in the assessment. The plan should include dimensions, layouts, usage of equipment (workload), and occupancy of adjoining rooms. Solid brick wall means, in terms of high-risk premises where substantially more shielding is required, a wall constructed from solid dry pressed brick with full mortar thickness. Superficial therapy means a maximum of 150 kVp. Use factors mean the fraction of the workload for which the radiation is directed at a particular barrier. Verification means the process of testing the compliance of shielding with the requirements of a shielding plan using practices approved by DECCW. This includes verifying the correct shielding material as specified in the shielding plan and ensuring appropriate construction techniques have been used. Workload for X-rays means the result of multiplying tube current and time e.g. mA min. For radioactive sources, this means the result of multiplying the activity and time e.g. GBq hr.
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Radiation guideline 7